The Queen Just Made A Very Unexpected Appearance At London Fashion Week

It marked the first time she had ever sat on the front row.

by Amy de Klerk

London Fashion Week draws to a close today, but it definitely went out with a bang as Queen Elizabeth arrived to sit on the front row for the very first time. The monarch was in attendance to present the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Richard Quinn, but also sat on the front row to see his latest collection.

Getty Images

Getty Images

At the show, she sat next Caroline Rush, the chief executive of the British Fashion Council and the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, Anna Wintour. She looked appropriately stylish in a pale blue tweed suit by Angela Kelly for the occasion.

Richard Quinn receives his award. Image: Getty

Getty Images

“The Award, initiated in recognition of the role of the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy, will be awarded annually to an emerging British fashion designer who shows talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or sustainable policies,” the official royal family account tweeted.

London-born designer Quinn established his eponymous label two years ago after graduating from Central Saint Martins. According to the BFC, he is recognisable for his “exceptional prints and for his ability to combine unique handcrafted skill with a refined high fashion sensibility”.

This was not the first fashion-focussed event the royal family has been a part of this week. Just last night, the Duchess of Cambridge hosted the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange event at Buckingham Palace, which aims to highlight fashion as a common language and a powerful platform.